Irvin Ray Bell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He passed away at the age of 92, on March 29, 2025 in his home with his son and daughter-in-law by his bedside. He was born on February 16, 1933 to Jay Jonathan William Bell and Marietta Julia (Gleason) Bell in New Buffalo, Michigan. Irvin lived a full life filled with hard work and devotion to God and his family. He was a faithful servant at Fulkerson Park Baptist Church for over forty years. He was drafted into the Army near the end of the Korean Conflict. He served from March 3, 1953 until he was honorably discharged on January 14, 1955. On November 28, 1953, Irvin married Elaine Helen Backus, whom preceded him in death in 1962. On January 1, 1964, Irvin married Irene June Salisbury. Irene passed away on August 30, 2008.
Irvin is survived by his daughters, Pamela (David) Capps of Claypool, IN; Julia (Dale) Banks of Niles, MI; and son, Timothy (Dawn) Bell of Buchanan, MI. Also survived by his four grandsons, David (Tori) Capps III, Charles Burks, Jonathan (Jennifer) Capps, Zechariah (Jasmine) Capps; five great-grandchildren, Jasper Capps, Dax Capps, Maxwell Capps, Elliana Capps, Quinton Capps; two sister-in-laws, Alice and Terri; and many nieces and nephews.
Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Marietta; wives, Elaine and Irene; his in-laws, Rhinold & Hattie Backus and Harold & Wilma Salisbury; his eight brothers, Jay, Robert (Mabel), Lyle (Agnes), Norman (Gailya), Lester (Elizabeth), Richard (Ann), Harold, Kenneth; and sister, June (Marvin).
Visitation for Irvin will be held at 10 am and funeral service at 12 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Hoven Funeral Home, 414 E. Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, MI.
Posted On: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 4:22 PM
